When Erika Meltzer and Jason Kletzky reached the top of their favorite hike in Malibu, California, Jason surprised his beloved by proposing. Of course, Erika said yes, and the betrothed celebrated with a weekend staycation nearby, complete with relaxing massages and a surprise dinner with their families to celebrate their engagement. 

When beginning to plan their wedding, they hired Kathryn Barron from Tessa Lyn Events to orchestrate all of the details to bring their vision to life. Knowing they wanted to get married outside in nature and close to Los Angeles – so the majority of their friends and family members could easily attend – they were thrilled to find a gorgeous ranch property that allowed them to have the alfresco ceremony and tented wedding reception they hoped for. 

On the day of the ceremony, guests took their seats atop white chairs facing a wooden chuppah adorned with verdure and white florals, which also decorated the aisle. “We are both Jewish, so we had a Jewish ceremony with many special traditions,” describes Erika, noting that their family rabbi – who married the bride’s parents over 30 years ago and the groom’s sister as well – officiated, and they stood underneath the tallit of the groom’s grandfather. Erika and Jason chose to read their handwritten vows aloud – a memorable moment for them both. 


“We didn’t leave the dance floor the entire night… We had the best day of our lives!”

After the “I dos,” loved ones enjoyed a cocktail hour featuring joyous elements that honored the couple’s spirit. “We had custom napkins with two-truths-and-a-lie fun facts about the bride and groom,” describes Erika. Napkins next to the Champagne bubbles cart featured an illustration of the pair’s labradoodle, Ruffles, for another unique detail. 

When it came time for the reception, striking décor in neutral tones was arranged beneath a gorgeous clear tent decorated with overhead twinkle lights. “We wanted the wedding to be clean and sophisticated, modern, and chic, while feeling intimate like a dinner under the stars,” explains Erika. Branded elements showcasing details first introduced in the invitation and wedding website provided a cohesive look throughout the special weekend. 

The space was lush with greenery and accented with beautiful white roses and peonies with a hint of subtle blush, which perfectly fit the bride’s vision – a credit to her wedding team, who worked hard to bring her vision to life despite shortages due to the influx of weddings post-pandemic. “One of my favorite elements was the installation ring over the dance floor… It was absolutely stunning!” remembers Erika of the pièce de résistance. 

Guests enjoyed slices from the pair’s three-tiered confection featuring chocolate ganache, lemon, and Funfetti flavors. “We also lit sparklers when we cut the cake for a fun surprise element,” adds the bride. Before a picture-perfect sparkler exit surrounded by loved ones, the couple shared one last dance to “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. “We didn’t leave the dance floor the entire night… We had the best day of our lives!” Erika smiles.

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